What is the Pyrenean Haute Route?

The Pyrenean Haute Route (or HRP, for Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne) traverses the highest walkable route across the Pyrenees Mountains, taking hikers from Hendaye, France on the Atlantic coast to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean.

How long does it take to hike the Pyrenees?

The typical itinerary, set out in Ton Joosten’s Pyrenean Haute Route, has thru-hikers complete the trail in 45 days. Others hike fast and light, going coast to coast in just 23 days. My sister and I set out to do neither of these things.

Where to see wild horses in the Pyrenees?

Wild horses are a common sight in the Pyrenees mountains — Here they are from the lake in front of Refuge d’Ayous with the Pic du Midi d’Ossau in the background. In general, it is recommended to walk the HRP from west to east. This is the direction described in most guidebooks.

Can you go camping in the Pyrenees?

Wild camping is allowed throughout the Pyrenees, so long as you only stay for one night and steer clear of villages, buildings, and access roads. Generally, you will find established campsites around each hut or refuge on the French side of the border as well as around some of the huts on the Spanish side.

What is the Haute Route in France?

The Haute Route spans the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. People tend to walk it in this direction (roughly from West to East) because you start on the flatter bits. Always best to get a warm up in before you hit the serious mountains.

When is the best time to hike the Walker’s Haute Route?

Like the HPR, the Walker’s Haute Route is best done in the alpine summer walking season. That’s high season in July and August, with June and September still a good possibility. Snow could remain on higher passes well into July. As with the HPR, watch out for those thunderstorms.